The names of the weekdays are so familiar to us that we often take them for granted, yet their origins are fascinating, tracing back thousands of years across different cultures and mythologies. Each day’s name reflects a unique blend of astronomy, ancient gods, and linguistic evolution.
From the sun and moon to powerful deities from Norse and Roman traditions, the weekdays tell a story of human history and how civilizations marked time. Understanding how these names came to be not only connects us to our ancestors but also enriches our appreciation for the calendar we use every day.
Whether you’re curious about why Tuesday is named after a god of war or why Saturday seems linked to a mysterious planet, the journey through the origins of weekday names reveals a tapestry woven from language, culture, and belief systems.
This exploration also shows how ancient practices influenced modern life, including how English adopted and adapted these names from Latin and Germanic roots. Let’s delve into the origins and meanings behind the names of the weekdays, uncovering the stories behind Monday through Sunday.
Sunday: The Day of the Sun
Sunday’s name is one of the most straightforward, derived from the celestial body that has fascinated humanity since time immemorial. It is named after the Sun, which was revered by many ancient civilizations as a vital source of life and energy.
The English word “Sunday” originates from the Old English term “Sunnandæg,” which literally means “day of the sun.” This practice of naming this day after the sun can be traced back to ancient Roman culture with the Latin phrase “dies Solis,” meaning “day of the Sun.” The sun was considered a powerful force, often personified as a god, such as Sol in Roman mythology or Helios in Greek tradition.
Many cultures linked Sunday to warmth, light, and renewal. It was typically a day of rest or celebration, honoring the sun’s importance in agricultural cycles and human life.
This connection to the sun also influenced other languages, although the names and associated meanings vary.
“The Sun has long been a symbol of vitality and rebirth, making Sunday a natural choice for the start of the week in many traditions.”
- Old English: Sunnandæg (Sun’s day)
- Latin: dies Solis (Day of the Sun)
- Roman god: Sol
- Greek equivalent: Helios
Monday: The Day of the Moon
Monday’s name is closely linked to the Moon, reflecting the ancient human fascination with this glowing orb. Like Sunday, Monday’s name is tied to a celestial body that has guided nighttime travelers and influenced natural rhythms.
The English name stems from the Old English “Monandæg,” meaning “day of the Moon.” This term corresponds to the Latin “dies Lunae,” which directly translates to “day of the Moon.” The moon’s cyclical nature and its influence on tides and calendars made it significant in many cultures.
In Norse mythology, the moon was personified by the god Máni, who was believed to guide the moon’s path across the sky. This mythological connection further cemented the moon’s influence on the naming of Monday.
The moon’s association with emotions and change is reflected in how Monday, often seen as the start of a new workweek, carries a mood of transition.
| Language | Name | Meaning |
| Old English | Monandæg | Day of the Moon |
| Latin | Dies Lunae | Day of the Moon |
| Norse | Máni | Moon god |
Tuesday: Named After Tiw, the Norse God of War
Tuesday’s name has a more martial origin, linked to the Norse god Tiw or Tyr, a deity associated with war and justice. This day reflects a fascinating blend of Roman and Germanic traditions.
In Latin, Tuesday was called “dies Martis,” dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war. When the Germanic peoples adopted the Roman calendar, they substituted Mars with their own war god, Tiw.
Hence, the Old English “Tīwesdæg” means “Tiw’s day,” maintaining the martial theme.
Tiw was known for his bravery and sacrifice, famously giving his hand to bind the monstrous wolf Fenrir, which shows his role as a god of law and order as well. This connection makes Tuesday a day symbolizing courage, conflict, and justice, which still resonates culturally today.
“Tuesday embodies the spirit of battle and fairness, derived from the fierce yet honorable god Tiw.”
- Latin: dies Martis (Day of Mars)
- Old English: Tīwesdæg (Day of Tiw)
- Tiw: Norse god of war and justice
- Symbolism: courage and sacrifice
Wednesday: The Day of Odin or Mercury
Wednesday is named after one of the most complex and revered gods in Norse mythology, Odin, who was associated with wisdom, magic, and war. This day also has roots in Roman tradition, specifically linked to the god Mercury.
The Latin name for Wednesday is “dies Mercurii,” the day of Mercury, the messenger god of commerce, communication, and travel. When the Germanic peoples adapted the calendar, they equated Mercury with Odin (also called Woden), the chief god in their pantheon.
Thus, the Old English “Wōdnesdæg” means “Woden’s day.”
Odin was known for his relentless pursuit of knowledge and his role as a guide for warriors and poets alike. This day’s name reflects themes of intellect, communication, and leadership.
Wednesday occupies a central position in the week, symbolizing balance between the beginning and end.
| Aspect | Roman Tradition | Norse Tradition |
| Day Name | Dies Mercurii | Wōdnesdæg |
| Deity | Mercury | Odin (Woden) |
| Symbolism | Communication, commerce | Wisdom, magic, war |
Thursday: Day of Thor, the Thunder God
Thursday’s name celebrates Thor, the powerful Norse god of thunder, storms, and protection. This connection highlights how ancient peoples linked their everyday timekeeping to divine forces governing nature.
The Roman equivalent is “dies Iovis,” or “day of Jupiter,” the king of gods and god of the sky and thunder. The Germanic tribes replaced Jupiter with Thor, whose name translates to “thunder.” The Old English “Þūnresdæg” means “Thor’s day.”
Thor was a beloved figure, symbolizing strength, protection, and the power to ward off evil. His hammer, Mjölnir, became a symbol of defense and blessing.
Thursday, therefore, carries connotations of might and safeguarding, a day linked to natural forces and divine guardianship.
“Thor’s thunderous presence on Thursday reminds us of the enduring human connection to nature’s power.”
- Roman: dies Iovis (Day of Jupiter)
- Old English: Þūnresdæg (Thor’s day)
- Thor: Norse god of thunder
- Symbolism: strength and protection
Friday: The Day of Frigg or Venus
Friday is named after the Norse goddess Frigg, associated with love, beauty, and fertility. This day also corresponds to the Roman goddess Venus, the embodiment of similar qualities in Roman mythology.
The Latin term “dies Veneris” means “day of Venus,” celebrated for romance and attraction. The Germanic peoples linked Venus to Frigg (or sometimes Freya, another love goddess), resulting in the Old English “Frīgedæg,” or “Frigg’s day.”
Frigg was the wife of Odin and revered for her wisdom and protective nature, especially over marriage and family. Friday’s name reflects themes of affection, beauty, and social bonds.
It’s no surprise that modern culture often associates Friday with joy, leisure, and connection.
| Culture | Deity | Domain |
| Roman | Venus | Love and beauty |
| Norse | Frigg / Freya | Love, fertility, marriage |
| English | Frīgedæg | Frigg’s day |
Saturday: The Day of Saturn
Saturday stands apart as the only English weekday preserving its Roman origin directly, named after the god Saturn. This day is steeped in agricultural and temporal symbolism.
Saturn was a major Roman god associated with time, wealth, and agriculture, particularly the sowing of seeds. The Latin name “dies Saturni” means “day of Saturn.” Unlike the other days, English does not substitute Saturn with a Germanic god, preserving the original name.
Saturn’s influence extended to ideas of cycles, harvest, and the passage of time, making Saturday a day of rest and reflection in many cultures. This preservation of the Roman name highlights the lasting impact of Roman culture on the English language and calendar system.
“Saturday’s link to Saturn reminds us of the ancient rhythms of time and nature that continue to shape our lives.”
- Latin: dies Saturni (Day of Saturn)
- Saturn: God of time and agriculture
- English: Saturday—directly from Latin
- Symbolism: cycles, harvest, rest
The Cross-Cultural Influence on Weekday Names
The names of the weekdays reflect a rich fusion of Roman, Norse, and Germanic traditions, showing how cultures borrowed and transformed each other’s beliefs and language. This blending is especially evident in English, which combines Latin roots with Norse mythology.
Roman influence is dominant in the Latin names of the days, which were based on the seven classical planets, each associated with a deity. These were:
- Sun (Sunday)
- Moon (Monday)
- Mars (Tuesday)
- Mercury (Wednesday)
- Jupiter (Thursday)
- Venus (Friday)
- Saturn (Saturday)
Germanic tribes replaced many Roman gods with their own mythological counterparts, adapting the names into their own languages. This cultural adaptation explains why some days have Norse god names, like Thor and Odin, while others retain Latin names, like Saturday.
This cross-cultural naming tradition gives the weekdays a layered meaning, blending astronomy, mythology, and language evolution. It shows how humans have always sought to make sense of time by tying it to the cosmos and divine figures.
| Day | Roman Deity | Germanic/Norse Equivalent |
| Sunday | Sol (Sun) | Sun |
| Monday | Luna (Moon) | Moon |
| Tuesday | Mars | Tiw (Tyr) |
| Wednesday | Mercury | Odin (Woden) |
| Thursday | Jupiter | Thor |
| Friday | Venus | Frigg / Freya |
| Saturday | Saturn | Saturn |
How Weekday Names Influence Modern Culture
The origins of weekday names continue to have subtle effects on modern culture and language. They shape how we perceive days, influence literature, and even affect work patterns and holidays.
For example, Friday’s association with love and leisure has made it symbolic of the weekend’s start in many societies. Similarly, Sunday’s connection to the sun and rest is reflected in its role as a traditional day of worship and family time.
Understanding the mythological and astronomical roots of weekday names also deepens our appreciation for language and history. It connects us to ancient civilizations and reminds us how cultural exchange continues to shape our daily lives.
If you’re fascinated by the origins of names and their meanings, you might enjoy exploring other intriguing name histories such as What Does the Name Anora Mean? Origins and Significance or the story behind what does the name Blaise mean?
origins and significance. These deep dives enrich our understanding of how names carry history and identity.
The Lasting Legacy of Weekday Names
The names we assign to the weekdays are more than just labels; they are living artifacts of human civilization. Each name encapsulates centuries of mythology, astronomy, and linguistic evolution, reminding us of the interconnectedness of cultures and the human desire to organize time meaningfully.
As we move through our weeks, we carry with us echoes of gods like Thor and Venus, celestial bodies like the Sun and Moon, and the legacy of ancient peoples who first sought to chart days for farming, worship, and social order.
These names are a daily invitation to remember the stories that shaped human history.
By appreciating the origins of weekday names, we recognize the power of language to preserve culture and the importance of mythology in shaping our worldview. Whether for scholars, history enthusiasts, or curious minds, the story behind the days enriches our connection to time and tradition.
For those interested in other fascinating naming stories, be sure to check out What Does the Name Abner Mean? Origins and Significance, which reveals more about the cultural roots and meanings behind personal names.
